The Warriors stayed close most of the game and trailed by only 23-18 at halftime. They overcame a five-point deficit after one quarter to go ahead, 17-15, on free throws by Brooke Bares and Jessika Dieringer late in the first half.

However, Howards Grove steadily pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter. A late Ozaukee rally trimmed the final margin.

Dieringer, who played a physical game and regularly drew fouls in the lane, led the Warriors with 13 points. She didn’t have a field goal but was 13-for-18 on free throws.

“Jessika did a good job of getting to the line,” LeMahieu said.

“We were getting good shots in the offense but couldn’t get them to drop.”

This week, Ozaukee was scheduled to continue CLC play against Oostburg on Tuesday and host Sheboygan Christian at 7:30 p.m. Friday. On Dec. 11, the Warriors will travel to Campbellsport for a 7:30 p.m. nonconference game.